Liverpool

Bundesliga expert thinks ‘real deal’ manager is ahead of Xabi Alonso for Liverpool

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11 months ago

January 28, 2024

Bundesliga expert thinks ‘real deal’ manager is ahead of Xabi Alonso for Liverpool

Who will be Liverpool’s next manager? It’s going to be a question that will be asked again and again during the next few months.

Unless Liverpool make an early announcement as to who will be Jurgen Klopp’s successor, more than likely, that question won’t be answered until after the final ball is kicked for the 2023/24 campaign.

Sources told HITC Football that Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is on the list, alongside Brighton and Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi.

Whilst Xabi Alonso’s name seems front and centre of everyone’s lips, Kevin Hatchard stated on Twitter that he feels Julian Nagelsmann is a better option for Liverpool.

It has been around 12 months since the 37-year-old was sacked by Bayern Munich, before Germany came knocking and he took that gig.

Now, Julian Nagelsmann, who has been dubbed the ‘real deal’, is going to remain in that post for Euro 2024, which will be in Germany itself, and after that, anything can happen.

Realistically, if Liverpool wanted, they could still bring him in, but it would be tight because a large element of planning would be needed for the following campaign.

Either way, Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard explains why he feels Julian Nagelsmann is ahead of Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp.

Julian Nagelsmann and Xabi Alonso
“Obviously, thoughts will turn to the next coach,” said Hatchard. “My choice would be Julian Nagelsmann.

“Tactically so smart, learnt a lot from a bruising experience at Bayern, and has the drive and energy to really build something at LFC.

“Obviously, the Xabi Alonso link is a strong one and a romantic one. Has done a terrific job at Leverkusen. I would put Nagelsmann ahead on experience and track record, but it would be a nice problem to have to choose between them!”

Obviously thoughts will turn to the next coach. My choice would be Julian Nagelsmann. Tactically so smart, learnt a lot from a bruising experience at Bayern, and has the drive and energy to really build something at #lfc.

— Kevin Hatchard 🎙⚽️ (@kevinhatchard) January 26, 2024
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Obviously the Xabi Alonso link is a strong one and a romantic one. Has done a terrific job at Leverkusen. I would put Nagelsmann ahead on experience and track record, but it would be a nice problem to have to choose between them! #lfc https://t.co/8jImO3IBer

— Kevin Hatchard 🎙⚽️ (@kevinhatchard) January 26, 2024
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What type of manager do Liverpool need?
This is also very important. Klopp’s style suited the Reds down to the bone. This heavy metal style. Non-stop action.

This current crop of players, from Darwin Nunez to Alexis Mac Allister, probably need a manager of that ilk to continue their progression.

If you decided to go down a Pep Guardiola-esque style, more controlled and laid back, then it might not aid the players currently at the club.

Either way, whoever does come in, for the first time in decades, they have a mountain of pressure on their shoulders.

MORE: Sources: Rangers reach agreement for 20-y/o’s transfer, medical likely this weekend

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According to #Fabrizio Romano Mohamed Salah cought jurgen Klopp having sex with his weeded wife

Graeme Souness feels Liverpool stars should be ‘insulted’ by Jurgen Klopp theory: ‘I don’t buy that’
Former Liverpool favourite Graeme Souness has questioned the timing of the club and Jurgen Klopp’s decision to announce he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season

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ByDan MarshSenior Sports Reporter
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Graeme Souness insists Liverpool players should be insulted by suggestions they’ll try harder to win the league for Jurgen Klopp after the announcement he’s stepping down.

The Anfield chief, 56, revealed on Friday morning that he would be standing down from his role and quitting the Premier League giants in the summer.

The timing of Klopp’s announcement has been questioned, with suggestions that it could derail the Reds’ season. They are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League and booked their spot in the Carabao Cup final this week.

Transfer news live updates – Klopp replacement, Chelsea and Man City eye Davies

Virgil van Dijk admits struggle to accept Jurgen Klopp exit as Liverpool stars stunned
Klopp has insisted that will not be the case while club captain Virgil van Dijk echoed similar sentiments on Saturday morning.

Souness expressed his surprise at the timing of Klopp’s departure in his column for The Mail, where he wrote: “Jurgen has built a second team on the back of the Premier League and Champions League winners and this one can lift those trophies too.

“They are top of the league and, I’ve said this for many months, whoever finishes above Liverpool will win the title. Providing they don’t lose one of Allison, Van Dijk or Salah for a lengthy period, I still think they’ll be the team to beat. Everything is going so well.

“So, to make this announcement in January, why? That is what I keep coming back to in my mind. I certainly don’t buy the idea of it being used as a way of galvanising everyone during the second half of the season. I don’t think Liverpool can pull any more in the same direction than what they are now.

Join the debate! Who do you want to see succeed Klopp at Liverpool? Let us know here.

Graeme Souness speaking during a media interview
Graeme Souness has given his verdict on Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool ( Image: talkSPORT)
“I liken it to 1983 when Bob Paisley retired after announcing the news early. It was the same scenario – a legendary manager letting it be known he was going. Did it make us try any harder? No! I would take that as an insult if someone said you’d be trying harder now.”

Souness went on to claim that Klopp has already assured his place amongst the pantheon of Liverpool’s all-time great managers after winning both the Premier League and the Champions League during his premiership.

He added: “Where will this leave Jurgen in the list of Liverpool’s great managers? Most people would pick Bill Shankly at number one. He started it all with his ideas and vision of where the game was heading. He got Liverpool going and Bob Paisley came in and took it to another level with winning trophies.

“I’d say Jurgen was at number three.”

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Liverpool predicted XI for Norwich FA Cup clash as Reds continue quadruple trophy hunt
Liverpool are in FA Cup action on Sunday as they take on Championship side Norwich City at Anfield and Jurgen Klopp could be set to make changes to his side for the game

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Jurgen Klopp has some decisions to make for his side vs Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
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ByDaniel OrmeFootball Writer
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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could potentially be set to oversee his final FA Cup game on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds welcome Championship side Norwich City to Anfield on in the fourth round of the competition. Klopp’s side booked their spot after overcoming Premier League rivals Arsenal 2-0 earlier this month – with an own-goal from Jakub Kiwior and a Luis Diaz strike putting them on their way.

Norwich required 180 minutes to find a way past Bristol Rovers. A 1-1 draw at Carrow Road was followed by a 3-1 success for the Canaries in a replay 11 days later.

After already booking their spot in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, Liverpool will be keen to avoid a banana skin as they attempt to reach the last-16 of the FA Cup. Ahead of that game, Klopp – who has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season – has a few decisions to make over his side. Take a look at what side he could field against Norwich:

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Starting in goal, Klopp has a significant decision to make. Regular number one Alisson started in the previous round against Arsenal but Caoimhin Kelleher is the Reds’ cup stopper.

The Republic of Ireland international started against Fulham and should be in line to play against Norwich. The defence in front of him should look slightly different however.

Klopp has already announced that Scottish fullback Andrew Robertson is back in contention after his long lay-off. He was on the bench against Fulham and could be handed a start at the weekend.

Andrew Robertson warms up for Liverpool
Andrew Robertson is back in contention for Liverpool ( Image: Getty Images)
Who should Jurgen Klopp play vs Norwich? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate and Jarrell Quansah could assemble a centre-back partnership. The former came off the bench against Fulham, while the latter started at Craven Cottage.

Youngster Conor Bradley might have done enough to earn another opportunity for the Reds. The 20-year-old started both semi-final legs against Fulham. With Trent Alexander-Arnold still making his way back to full fitness, Bradley looks the most likely option.

Moving into midfield, there will be some similarities to the side fielded against Fulham. Summer signings Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister both started and were substituted, which could hint at further starts for the pair against Norwich.

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One alteration could potentially see Curtis Jones drafted back in. He only made a cameo appearance against Fulham having shone in the first-leg. The midfielder then could have another chance to impress against Norwich.

Away from midfield, Harvey Elliott could have a slightly different role. Having played in midfield regularly for Liverpool, Klopp could be tempted to push him slightly further forwards to play on the right-hand side.

After his recent goalscoring form, Diogo Jota should play on the left. The Portuguese has scored and assisted three in as many Premier League appearances so will be a big threat against Norwich. Elsewhere, Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez is also in excellent form so should be afforded a chance to extend that versus the Canaries.

Liverpool predicted XI: Kelleher; Robertson, Quansah, Konate, Bradley; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Elliott, Jota, Nunez.

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Liverpool next manager: Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi coaching background and preferred playing style
The ECHO takes a look at the styles of Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi and what they could bring to Anfield

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ByKeifer MacDonaldNorth West Trends Writer
03:00, 28 JAN 2024
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Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen

For the first time in nine years, Liverpool are searching for a new manager.

It comes after Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement on Friday morning, in which he revealed he would be stepping down from his managerial post at the end of the season. The 56-year-old admitted he no longer has the energy levels required to license control at Anfield, as well as insisting he’d like to experience a ‘normal life’.

That means for the first time since October 2015, when Brendan Rodgers’ tenure came to an end just hours after a drab 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park, Fenway Sports Group chiefs John W. Henry and Tom Werner, as well as President Mike Gordon, will be tasked with appointing a third manager of their near 14-year reign on Merseyside.

READ MORE: Inside the 48 hours that shook Liverpool as clues dropped and Jurgen Klopp staff left gobsmacked

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp hasn’t made same mistake as Alex Ferguson as Liverpool exit announced

As it stands, Xabi Alonso and Roberto de Zerbi are the bookmakers’ favourites to replace Klopp, who has won every top-flight trophy available during his eight-and-a-half years in the dugout, while Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Frank have also been touted as outsiders for the soon-to-be vacant role. Here, the ECHO takes a look at the profiles of Alonso and De Zerbi and what they could bring to Anfield.

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Xabi Alonso – Bayer Leverkusen
Style: Total control

Age: 42

Previous clubs: Real Madrid Academy (2018-2019), Real Sociedad B (2022-present)

If Xabi Alonso had the knack of making professional football look like a stroll in the park, then the same can be said about his start to life in the dugout.

Since obtaining his UEFA Pro Licence back in June 2019 – alongside Esteban Cambiasso, Xavi and Raul, just to name a few of his respected class-mates – the 42-year-old Spaniard has taken a fast track to becoming one of European football’s hottest commodities.

His first role on the touchline came at the academy of former side Real Madrid, where he oversaw the development of the Los Blancos’ under-14s during the 2018-2019 season before returning to boyhood club Real Sociedad to take control of their reserve side.

Almost 20 years after first making headlines in San Sebastian for his promise as a player, Alonso was doing the same in 2021 as a manager, this time while guiding Sociedad’s B team to the Segunda Division for the first time since 1962. But after three seasons spent perfecting his craft in Spain’s lower divisions, he decided to call time on his spell with Real Sociedad and wait patiently for his next opportunity.

That opening would present itself to the 114-cap Spain international in October 2022, with Bayer Leverkusen sitting 17th in the Bundesliga and taking the decision to sack Gerardo Seoane. In confirming Alonso as the club’s new manager, sporting director Simon Rolfes described him as an “intelligent strategist” and “world-class professional” who could bring success to BayArena.

That he has done, and in a phenomenal manner too. In fact, in just shy of 18 months at the club, Alonso has transformed Leverkusen into one of the most exciting young sides in Europe, who are expertly burdening the weight of the club’s 120-year history as they close in on a first-ever Bundesliga title.

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Leverkusen recently moved four points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga, playing an expansive, silky style of play that focuses on dominating the ball and playing through the lines.

Lining up in a usual 3-4-2-1 formation, Leverkusen start their build-up play from deep to create overloads in wide areas. Such an approach allows either full-back Jeremie Frimpong or Alejandro Grimaldo to wreak havoc in advanced areas of the field as they provide support to an attacking branch that boasts the talents of Florian Wirtz, Victor Boniface, Patrik Schick and more.

Under the stewardship of Alonso, the 2002 Champions League finalists have earned themselves a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking teams in Germany, with only Bayern Munich totalling more progressive passes and progressive carries this season. They are one of the most exciting too, having scored 50 goals in just 18 Bundesliga matches this season.

Oh, and they are the only team in Europe’s top-five leagues not to suffer defeat in any of their games this season, with their current record standing at a remarkable 24 wins and three losses from their outings across the Bundesliga, Europa League and DFB-Pokal this season.

Roberto de Zerbi – Brighton & Hove Albion
Style: Patient possession

Age: 44

Previous clubs: Darfo Boario (2013-2014), Foggia (2014-2016), Palermo (2016), Benevento (2017-2018), Sassuolo (2018-2021), Shakhtar Donetsk (2021-2022), Brighton & Hove Albion (2022-present)

Looking back, there’s a sense of irony that Liverpool were the first Premier League opponents to sit up and take note of what Roberto De Zerbi was capable of building at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Not long after Italian had been instilled as the Seagulls’ answer to Graham Potter’s departure – his first game, in fact – was he enjoying a dazzling start to the Premier League as he watched his new side race into a two-goal lead at Anfield courtesy of Leandro Trossard.

Although Liverpool salvaged a 3-3 draw on that particular afternoon at Anfield, for De Zerbi, it’s fair to say his time in the English game so far has largely been that of an upward trajectory. The 44-year-old, who made his name managing in Italy’s lower divisions before an impressive spell at Sassuolo and briefly at Shakhtar Donetsk, has taken the Seagulls to new heights in the post-Potter era, overseeing a first top-six finish in the Premier League and an FA Cup semi-final during his first months on the South Coast.

Similarly to Alonso, how De Zerbi has achieved his breathtaking success has been remarkable, with the bravery with which he implements his style of play recently being applauded by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Lining up in a 4-2-3-1, the Italian’s philosophy centres around both the goalkeeper’s and defenders’ ability to play out from the back, with current Brighton No.1 Jason Steele at times acting as a third centre-back in the early stages of build-up play. A typical De Zerbi side looks to play short, patient passes and entices the opposition into pressing carelessly. From there, in Brighton’s case, they will look to exploit the gaps behind the midfield and defence with the pace of Kaoru Mitoma.

Indeed, De Zerbi’s style is not too dissimilar from that of Jurgen Klopp, with Brighton becoming a possession-orientated team since his arrival last season. However, it is not just on the field that the two share similarities, with former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana drawing comparisons between his current and former manager.

“My relationship with Roberto is like he’s an older sibling, an older brother I’ve never had,” Lallana told the Daily Mail in September 2023. “He’s demanding as hell, but I just always want to impress him and make sure he’s not disappointed in me. His demands are extremely high. As demanding as Jurgen [Klopp], I’d say, but in a different way.”

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Bundesliga expert thinks ‘real deal’ manager is ahead of Xabi Alonso for Liverpool

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